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Submitted: 9/22/15 • Approved: 1/12/23 • Last Updated: 1/15/23 • R1099323-G0-S3
Jan 2, 1942-June 28, 2010
*Obituary
Reverend Joseph W. Melton, Jr., 68, of Russellville, AR; endearingly known as "Papa Joe", serenely surrendered his spirit to his Savior and Lord at his home Monday, June 28, 2010, surrounded by his adoring family. After answering the call of the Lord, he served as a licensed minister in the Free Will Baptist Churches of the River Valley for 40 years and now praises his Lord on high in the heavenly realms.
Congregations that were touched by his ministry over the years include; Free Will Baptist Church in Danville, Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church, Phoenix Free Will Baptist Church on Buck Mountain in Dover and The Sweet Home Free Will Baptist Church in Economy. Joseph was a member of the Woodlawn Free Will Baptist Church in Russellville, where he enjoyed worshipping the Lord and renewing his spirit from the other side of the pulpit.
Joseph was very active in his church, community and with his family. Among his many activities were; deer hunting, fishing, golfing, panning for gold in California and participating as a member of the VFW in Sacramento, California. The joy closest to his heart; however, was spending time with his family and grandchildren. Joseph dearly loved children and teenagers, striving to be an example of God by showering them with love and attention. He was loved by all and a gift and blessing to each person that knew him. Joseph married Stephanie Martinez on February 6, 1993 in Reno, NV, and they spent the next 17 years committed to each other.
Born January 2, 1942 in Appleton, AR, Joseph, Jr. was the son of Joseph, Sr. and Gertha Wright Melton. An ambitious young man, he graduated from Hector High School in 1959, and persuaded his mother to sign for him so that he could legally join the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. Shortly, he was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, during which he served with honor and distinction.
Following his military service, Joseph, established Joseph Melton Construction Company, a successful business in commercial and residential construction in California and later in Russellville. He was well-known as a master of his trade due to his precise and excellent craftsmanship. Later, he would hand down the art of construction to his sons, by patiently sharing years of valuable knowledge and training. Joseph's legacy will be carried on by remaining family members, including; his wife, Stephanie Martinez Melton of Russellville; 3 children, Keith Melton and wife Darlene of Appleton, Tammy Moore of Russellville and her Fiancée Randy Allen of Atkins, Bruce Melton of Atkins; 3 adopted children, Brandy Melton of Clarksville; William Melton of Clarksville, and Roger Harmon of Jacksonville; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings, James Melton and wife Jo of Atkins, Loeta Owens of Appleton, Ruby Parsley of California, Annie Fox of Arizona, Mary Jo Williams and husband Randall of Appleton; a sister-in-law, Jane Melton of California; a brother-in-law, Jerald Martinez of Russellville; and numerous extended family members and friends that knew him as "Papa Joe". Preceded in death were Joseph's parents, Joseph Sr. and Gertha Melton; sisters, Mary Edna Melton, Margie Harper and Nina Sexton; brothers, Benny Melton and J.M. Melton; an infant son, Todd James Melton. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Humphrey Funeral Home. The funeral in honor of his extraordinary life will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010 at 10:00 am at Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Darwin Barnhouse, Rev. Bob Alexander and Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. The Burial will be held at Appleton Cemetery by Humphrey Funeral Service with full military honors provided by the Rogers-Rye Post #2283 of the VFW.
Contributed on 9/22/15 by bill060
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Record #: 1099323